STATEMENT FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL LISA MADIGAN IN RESPONSE TO ICC VOTE TODAY ON THE AMEREN ILLINOIS RATE HIKE REQUEST

"I am extremely disappointed in the decision to allow Ameren Illinois to increase its rates. This decision puts the interests of utilities ahead of consumers at a time when Illinois families can least afford it. Unfortunately, this decision is yet another example of the Illinois Commerce Commission approving higher rates for utilities and giving consumers the short end of the stick. The Commission has made this decision in recent cases approving rate hikes for Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, and Commonwealth Edison.

Allowing Ameren Illinois to increase its rates diminishes the impact of the hard-fought rate relief that we won for electric customers last year and creates an additional hardship for those struggling to make ends meet.

Moreover, with this decision, the ICC has agreed to let Ameren structure its gas charges so that even when consumers conserve energy, they still have to pay more. This is a terrible message to send consumers who are trying to lower their bills through energy conservation.

We will review the Commission's order and consider the legal options available to fight for Illinois consumers."